Frequently Asked Questions about your student heading into 6 th grade.
Q: What kind of communication can I expect from the school?
Answer: Middle school is different than our elementary buildings. You will no longer receive a weekly folder home; however, we do send home a Middle School newsletter on a monthly basis, provide information through the School Messenger system, post updates on the Bronson Rocks! Facebook page, and post our daily bulletin on the Bronson Community Schools website (see the junior/senior high building). Some teachers may also use tools like the Remind App or email newsletters to keep parents updated. The school district also publishes a newsletter, the Viking Voice, 4 times per year.
Q: What if my child is sick or going to be absent from school?
Answer: We require parents and guardians to contact the school attendance office at least 24 hours in advance for an appointment or by 9:30 am in case of illness (517.369.3231) to let us know a student will be absent.
Q: Which door do I use when I drop off my child before school?
Answer: Please use door #2 (on the north side of the building)
Q: What is Skyward? How do I get access?
Answer: Skyward is the online student information system we use. It includes everything from your child’s grades, food service activity and balance, attendance, discipline, and more! You can request access through the Parent Resources menu on the website.
Q: How do lunches work?
Answer: We will send an account code with the beginning of the school year packet. Your student will need to enter the account code in the cafeteria at the end of the lunch line. There are a few lunch options, $ 2.50 for the regular menu; $ 3.85 for ready-set-deli (which includes menu options like: made to order sandwiches and salads); and the “concession stand” which is ala carte and has additional choices of chips, baked fries, fruit snacks and cookies.
Q: Will my 6th grader be mixed into classes with high school students?
Answer: No. We have a separate wing of the school reserved for our 6th grade classrooms for their English, Social Studies, and Science classes. When your child goes to classes outside their classroom, there may other middle school students (7th and 8th grade) enrolled.
Q: How do I sign my student up for sports?
Answer: 6th Grade students are not allowed to participate in junior high sports through the BIG 8 conference. They can, however, participate in the community-based sports programs which you can find out more information through the Bronson City Offices.
Q: Will my child still have recess?
Answer: Our 6th grade students do get time during their lunch period to play in the gym or out on the practice football field, weather permitting.
Q: How do parent/teacher conferences work?
Answer: Unlike in elementary school where teachers create appointments for conferences, our conferences are run open-house style. When you come to the school for conferences, you can stop by the office for a copy of your student’s schedule and classroom numbers. Then simply stop by each classroom for a conversation with the teacher. There may be times you have to wait in the hallway to speak to a teacher, but this format allows you to talk to any or all of the teachers you choose.
Q: What will my child’s daily schedule be?
Answer: Your child’s schedule will be sent home in the packet with their class assignments in early August.
Q: When will I know what classes my child is taking? Answer: Your student’s schedule will be sent home at the beginning of August, along with teacher/classroom placement, and additional information including the daily time schedule, map of the school, computer user agreement, medication form, picture packet, and a free and reduced lunch application.
Q: How much homework will my student have?
Answer: Your 6th grader can expect homework nearly every day.
Q: What is VPL?
Answer: VPL stands for Viking Pride List. Our middle school students are rewarded for keeping their grades up, turning in homework assignments, and not receiving any suspensions each semester. Rewards are often watching movies or trips to the bowling alley or Pokagon State Park.
Q: Is there an after school program?
Answer: Yes, there is an after school program here at Bronson Jr/Sr High School Monday through Thursday from 3 to 4 pm in the Library. The Bronson Youth Center also runs an after school program at Chicago Street School beginning a few weeks after school starts.
Q: What are the dress code regulations?
Answer: The dress code, included in the Bronson Jr/Sr High School Handbook, can be found on the website under Parent Resources.
Q: What if I have more questions?
Answer: The Bronson Junior/Senior High School staff is always happy to help answer your questions or direct you to the right resources!